Publishing Assistant

Publishing Assistant

On a publishing assistant apprenticeship course, you’ll help support key parts of the publishing process, from conception to production.

A publishing assistant helps in certain areas across all key phases of the publishing process, from the conception of a book, digital product, or journal, through production in various paper and digital formats, and finally to support the sales, marketing, and publicity processes.

You will work in editing, marketing, sales, public relations, production, rights, and digital as an apprentice. You will acquire information and skills to help you throughout the publishing process, mainly if you work in a smaller company.

You will typically report to an editorial manager and will be in charge of editing, proofreading, and informing external stakeholders about their work and colleagues’ work.

Depending on your department, your job title may be editing, marketing, public relations, production, or rights.

What you’ll learn

On a publishing assistant apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

  • Ensure that appropriate changes are identified and agreed upon with stakeholders.
  • Make use of rigour and detail-oriented thinking.
  • Identify stakeholders and manage their expectations by delivering relevant information to them in an easy-to-understand way.
  • Ensure that the publications follow the digital rights management and/or agreement structures agreed upon by the authors.
  • Consider things from a new angle and develop innovative answers to unexpected issues.
  • Use appropriate language and terminology to demonstrate confidence and flexibility while dealing with different stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate a strong ability to work as part of a team, enthusiastically embracing responsibilities and collaborating with others (in a timely fashion).
  • Show that you understand your role regarding the other team members.
  • Assume tasks with self-assurance and resourcefulness, helping the team and/or line manager as required.
  • Be proactive and deliberate while working on your duties, utilise appropriate information, and request help when needed.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
  • Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises two distinct assessment methods: 

  • Project and presentation
  • Professional discussion

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

  • Duration: 18 months
  • Level: 3 – Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Relevant school subjects: English
  • Potential salary upon completion: £21,000 per annum

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Publishing Assistant Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.

Updated on January 23, 2024

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